An early Tuesday fire tore through the rear porches of a three-story multifamily house at 126 Ash St. in Chelsea, forcing a floor-by-floor evacuation and pushing a dozen residents out of their beds and into the street before sunrise. Crews arrived just after 4:30 a.m. and knocked the blaze down before it could push into any apartments or jump to neighboring buildings. No injuries were reported, and everyone inside made it out safely.
Chief: Flames Climb Rear Porches, Tenants Rushed Out
Chelsea Fire Chief John Quatieri said firefighters were called to the Ash Street triple-decker around 4:30 a.m., where they found flames chewing up the second- and third-floor decks at the back of the building. He told reporters the porches suffered heavy damage and “will probably end up having to be torn off,” but said crews kept damage to the interior of the home to a minimum, according to Boston 25 News.
Fast Knockdown Keeps Flames Outside
Video from the scene showed flames shooting from an attached back porch, and a passerby reportedly called 911 after spotting the fire. According to WCVB, firefighters were able to confine the blaze to the rear porches and snuff it out in roughly 15 to 20 minutes, stopping it from reaching occupied living areas or nearby properties.
Alarms Stay Silent, Inspector Called In
Homeowner Hermilda Barrentos, who lives on the first floor, said smoke alarms never went off because the fire started outside, and that residents only realized the danger when firefighters opened the door and ordered everyone out. A city building inspector is expected to examine the structure before anyone is allowed back in, according to Boston 25 News.
Dozen Displaced As Cause Probed
Officials say 12 residents have been displaced and placed in temporary housing while plans for porch repairs are worked out. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. As WCVB reports, firefighters’ quick work kept the flames from spreading and ensured everyone on scene got out safely while investigators sort out how the blaze began.
